AMHERST – Eleanor Marie O’Halloran, 84, wife of the late Robert O’Halloran Sr., died May 13, 2006, at her home. She was born Aug. 20, 1921, in Mariaville, daughter of Ralph and Mattie (Frost) Foster. Eleanor lived each day of her life as a positive example to her children, who were by far her proudest accomplishments. She prided herself on being a lifelong learner and encouraged her children to be as well. She read extensively and instilled a love of books and reading in her children. She had a vast collection of poetry and often made a gift of special poems and sentiments to her loved ones. She could always manage to convey the perfect sentiment when a loved one needed it the most. On occasion, she also wrote her own poetry and short stories and created one of a kind greeting cards, often with cropped family photos and calligraphy. She was a talented seamstress and hand stitched wedding dresses for three of her daughters. Eleanor was a very organized person, both in thought and deed. She made presents of many childhood keepsakes as her children left home. Eleanor was famous for her Sunday night suppers at her home in Amherst. All were welcome and she had an uncanny ability to feed an army of people on a meal intended for five. Her only rule was, that everyone sat at the same table, a tradition passed down to her children and grandchildren. Her biscuits and baked goods were a welcome treat to all who passed through her kitchen door. Her ready smile graciously greeted visitors at her door. Her Christmas Advent tradition was legendary for many many years. Because many of her family lived in other places, she often visited with them by phone. She especially loved her visits with her sister, Mary, when they would compare notes about family events and keep track of how many each of them had had at the table at the previous Sunday night’s supper. She took full advantage of any invitation to travel, and did so with her children, grandchildren, brother-in-law, James O’Halloran of Manchester, N.H. and sisters-in-law; making new friends along the way. Some of her favorite adventures included riding in a helicopter over an Alaskan glacier, walking on the glacial surface in “moon boots,’ dining on fresh Alaskan salmon, traversing the Irish countryside, kissing the Blarney Stone, and attending the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif. She had a special gift of understanding babies and small children. She gave countless baths, first haircuts and tender loving care to the babies in her life, and remarked more than once that they were her “favorite people.” For a time, Eleanor and Robert operated “Tara Hill,” a small take-out restaurant adjacent to their home. This was a source of pride and pleasure for them, and a natural extension of their love of meeting new friends. Her heritage as a Mayflower descendant, as well as the Irish heritage of her family, was significant in her life. Though ever dignified, Eleanor never took herself too seriously and encouraged others to follow suit. Her love of fun is chronicled in the countless photo albums she created over the years, through which she created a priceless legacy for her loved ones. She loved a good-natured prank and knew how to liven up a party to the end. She introduced and defeated many at the Scrabble board, where her sharp mind was ever active. A tradition sure to be missed the most is her early morning phone calls on birthdays, as she was without fail the first one to usher in everyone’s birthday by singing, “Happy Birthday” to them. Though she lived her entire life in Amherst, her interests and knowledge was global. Her wisdom transcended any boundaries and all who knew and loved her benefit from this. To the end of her life, she followed current events and information of interest and could offer knowledge and expertise when needed, which was often. Her family hosted a grand celebration marking her 80th birthday, which included entertainment provided by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Without doubt, the most significant event in her later years occurred when she became a member of The Coney Island Polar Bear Club. President Louis Scarcella inducted her as an official member of the oldest Polar Bear Club in existence. This was the realization of a lifelong dream, which she celebrated by wading into the icy November waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Her loved ones take comfort in her peaceful passing and she has left countless priceless lessons and memories through which she will live on in their lives. She will be missed, even as her legacy continues for many generations to come. Surviving are five daughters, Patricia Morrill of Kansas, Anne Beck and her husband, James, of Florida, Geraldine Dugal and her husband, Dennis, of Washington state, Linda Boyd and her husband, Edward, of Georgia, Kelly Jordan and her husband, David, of Holden; four sons, Robert O’Halloran Jr. and his wife, Nancy, of Hermon, James O’Halloran and his wife, Paula, of Amherst, Donald O’Halloran and Mary Ellen Farrell of Hampden, Michael O’Halloran and his wife, Terry, of Amherst; 23 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Mary Bragg of Clifton, Barbara Scott of New Hampshire and Marlene Howard of Florida; two brothers, Ralph Foster of Glenburn and Norman Foster of Brewer; many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by seven sisters, Thelma Bragg, Flora Foster, Norma Foster, Dorothy Davis, Lillian Tucker, Maxine Sheckler, Isabelle Scott; and one brother, Arno Foster. Friends may call 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, May 16, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor, where funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday with Brother Rex Anthony Norris, SSF officiating. Interment will be in the Mount Rest Cemetery, Amherst. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments at the Brookings-Smith Family Center, 163 Center St., Bangor, immediately after the service Wednesday. Those who wish to remember Eleanor in a special way may make gifts in her memory to the Eastern Maine Medical Center, Pediatric Unit, care of Eastern Maine Charities, P.O. Box 404, Bangor, ME 04402-0404. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com
ELEANOR M. O’HALLORAN
